By Eric Frazier
efrazier@charlotteobserver.com

Representatives from Project L.I.F.T., the multimillion-dollar rescue effort for Charlotte's struggling westside schools, joined President Barack Obama at the White House on Monday to talk about ways businesses can help schools.

In connection with the gathering, Bank of America's charitable foundation announced it would spend $50 million over three years to help middle and high school students get ready for college and workplace success.

R. "Stick" Willaims

Project L.I.F.T. is a $55 million project aimed at improving achievement at West Charlotte High and the elementary and middle schools that feed into it. Some of the city's most notable philanthropists and corporations have contributed.

Three officials associated with the project - Foundation for the Carolinas head Michael Marsicano, Duke Energy Foundation chief Richard "Stick" Williams and Levine Foundation director Thomas Lawrence - sat in on the meeting, which featured Obama speaking with executives from some of the nation's largest corporations.

The Charlotteans didn't get to join the conversation, but rather sat in as observers, said Leslie McCray, a spokesperson for the Foundation for the Carolinas. Alma Powell, wife of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, mentioned Project L.I.F.T. in her remarks, Williams said.

Williams and Lawrence spoke about Project L.I.F.T. later at a reception at the Hays Adams Hotel attended by many of the business leaders from the White House gathering.

"It was a great day," Williams said. "I think by sometime tomorrow our feet will be back on the ground."

Added Lawrence: "It's a tremendous validation for (Project L.I.F.T.). Now we get to go do the hard work."

Anne Finucane, chair of Bank of America's foundation, was among the executives meeting with Obama. In connection with the meeting, the foundation announced a three-year, $50 million effort to prepare students for jobs that earn livable wages.

The program will prepare students to make the transition to college - particularly community colleges - and for workforce success.

"We are at a crossroads in the United States where the educational crisis has put the nation's growth and prosperity at risk," Finucane said. "We are committed to being part of the solution."

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